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Creating trust in an acute psychiatric ward.
Marit Helene Hem1, Kristin Heggen, Knut W Ruyter
1University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. m.h.hem@medisin.uio.no
Nursing Ethics
|October 14, 2008
Summary
Distrust is common in acute psychiatric nursing, but trust can be built. Nurses must earn trust by acknowledging their power and avoiding extremes to foster realistic therapeutic relationships.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Psychiatry
- Healthcare Ethics
Background:
- Trust is an ideal in nursing, yet its presence in acute psychiatry is questionable.
- This study explores the dynamics of trust and distrust in psychiatric nursing environments.
Observation:
- Empirical data from acute psychiatry reveals prevalent distrust between nurses and patients.
- Distrust manifests within the therapeutic setting and the nurse-patient relationship.
Findings:
- Both trust and distrust are fragile and can easily shift.
- Nurses must actively earn trust, which is not inherent but achieved through effort.
- Recognizing their role in causing distrust and wielding power fosters realistic nursing practice.
Implications:
- A realistic, balanced perspective helps nurses navigate between high expectations and burnout.
- This approach can facilitate trust-building processes between nurses and patients with psychosis.
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